Appropriate length of time to stay after being hired as a new grad

JazzyJane · Feb 20, 2014

As a previous non nurse manager, I'll tell you what I think. They want you to stay for at least two years, after all, they spent all that time training you, but don't leave before the year is up whatever you do. At least not unless you got your dream job all ready lined up. Future employers will look at it unfavorably. Try to make it the two years but if after a year you're very unhappy, start to look discretely. VERY discretely. And if you find something else, give your notice but make sure it's in writing and gives them a minimum of two weeks and the maximum allowed by your new employer.

Remember, the grass isn't always greener, so if you can stick it out for the two years, do so. You don't want to look like a job hopper if the new place isn't what you thought.

elkpark · Feb 20, 2014

They won't be thrilled if you leave after two years; basically, employers are never happy when you leave, unless you're the kind of employee they've been hoping to get rid of. However, as JazzyJane noted, two years isn't bad.

I'm curious about the number of new grads who post here who seem to assume that they're going to be leaving their first job ASAP. When did that become a routine expectation?

greyL · Feb 21, 2014

Thanks for the replies.

It's not that I'm just trying to leave ASAP. For the most part, I do like it here (I do have one or two complaints, but I know it'll be like that at every place I work), but I did move to the other side of the country to be here, and it is hard for me at times because I have no family out here, and I moved to a city of only 10k people and I'm from Los Angeles.

But like I said, I don't want to just bail either after getting my one year of experience.

So two years is about right to "pay back" the hospital for hiring me as a new grad?